Susan Bartz Herrick, MFA, EdD., is a retired professor at UNC-Fayetteville, St. Andrews University, and Methodist University. Early in her career, she was a Community Liaison Specialist at HCA Cumberland Psychiatric Hospital and Treatment Center, giving seminars on Mental Health Disorders and Addiction.

Susan Herrick’s memoir follows the story of her beloved and only son, Luke, through his struggle with opioid addiction, recovery and sobriety, and untimely and heartbreaking death. Luke suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him partially paralyzed and addicted to Oxycontin, the very drug that helped save his life. 

Susan turned to the streets to obtain Suboxone, a legal but medically restricted opioid blocker, in an attempt to save her son’s life. Remembering this, she writes, “The day I became my son’s drug dealer, we both died, in a way.”

This poignant and compelling memoir exposes the rampant prescribing of Oxycontin, upwards of 600mg daily in cases like Luke’s, and the role overprescribing plays in the disease of Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Through Luke’s story, Herrick addresses failed public policies, misguided medical practices, societal stigmas, and enabling tendencies of loved ones that hinder recovery for those afflicted with SUD.

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Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

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Allie Severino overcame unimaginable odds to turn her life around. What started as a typical suburban childhood took a detour into darkness when she developed an addiction to drugs as a teenager. At 17, she was arrested and faced over a century behind bars for trafficking ecstasy and oxycontin. 

Hitting rock bottom, Severino had a choice - continue on the road to prison or death, or choose recovery. She chose the latter and committed herself to a 6-month rehabilitation program. It was no easy feat, but 15 years ago, Severino graduated drug-free.

Now celebrated as a tenacious crusader in the fight against addiction, she dedicates her life to breaking down stigma and leading others out of the darkness. She speaks openly about her journey, offering guidance to schools, court officials, and families grappling with substance abuse disorders. 

Severino sees the potential in every addict to rewrite their story. She's living proof that with grit and support, anyone can transform their life. Hers is an inspiration that cuts through shame and illuminates the path forward. 

Rather than dwell on past mistakes, Severino champions redemption. She's a reminder that we're so much more than our worst moments. And she's undoubtedly saving lives along the way.

Allie Severino is the host of Viceland's Dopesick Nation and the award winning film American Relapse! She is also the host of Back Alley Chat Podcast - an educational, inspirational series with a dash of humor and grace. Educational content and funny videos about life, recovery, harm reduction, homelessness, mental health, and more!

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Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Stephen Yates, a seasoned analyst and practitioner in politics, policy, and national security, hails from St. Petersburg, Florida. As a Senior Fellow and Chair of the China Policy Initiative, he has traversed the intricacies of policy decision-making, both foreign and domestic. A veteran commentator and media trainer, Yates brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as a senior advisor to presidential campaigns, the CEO of D.C. International Advisory, and the President of Radio Free Asia.

His journey includes a notable stint in the White House as Deputy Assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney for National Security Affairs. Yates also served as chairman of the Idaho Republican Party and co-chaired the 2016 Republican Platform Subcommittee on National Security. A familiar face on national TV and radio, he is a respected voice in the realm of politics and policy.

On this podcast, beyond the realms of geopolitics, Mr. Yates shares a deeply personal and impactful story. His daughter, Christina, became entangled in the complex web of drug addiction. Born into a narrative of adoption and early years marked by questions of nature versus nurture, Christina's journey took her through the challenges of adolescence into adulthood.

Stephen witnessed and tells the chilling story about the heart-wrenching realities of life with an addicted child – from leaving home to facing homelessness and navigating the complexities of her marriage within the shadows of addiction. The struggle to save Christina from the clutches of homelessness, addiction, and ultimately, death, became a central theme in their lives.

Yet, amid the struggles, surprises emerged, displaying uncommon beauty and strength. Christina's art, spirit, and energy shone through, defying the darkness that threatened to engulf her. Stephen delves into the profound impact of loss, exploring the depths of grief and its repercussions on the family.

https://www.imaginemuseum.com

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Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Alex is 51 years of age, graduated in the top 5 and got a college scholarship, went to state in cross country and track and qualified for national team freshman year. Pre-med student for biomedical engineering. Busted with 52 hits of LSD in campus dorm room. Lost scholarship and started the slow spiral downward. Became a male entertainer, was in a couple of movies (both with Lee Burns) played semi pro paintball, and dabbled with stage and closeup magic. 

Cocaine use started to take its toll. I tried crack cocaine one time and lost everything I had including my first marriage. 3 trips to prisons and too many jail stints to count. Got involved with prison gangs and ran the streets and even homeless for over a year, living any way we could and eating food out of dumpsters placed by a woman who's son we later helped get recovery! Amazing how God works! Started shooting up meth to get off the cocaine and met my current wife and best friend. Got married in the middle of our addiction during a short sober run, finally reached the end of it all and God, after many nudges to turn around, brought us out of our addiction. 

Angela has had a career as a top sales woman for Holiday in Club Vacations, and I now co-own 2 companies. We have a very small ministry helping drug addicts sent to us by referral or that we seek out to get into Christian based recovery programs. We also go into the women's prisons on xmas and mothers day to hand out gifts and minister. Covid unfortunately put a pause to that but will hopefully get started back up soon.  Any and all facets of drug addiction. How we get there, why we stay there, and how we can get back. Willing to talk about any portion of our lives you want to talk about if it will help even 1 person change their mind.

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

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CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Scott Strode, sober for over 25 years, is the Executive Director of The Phoenix, a transformational nonprofit he founded in 2006. The Phoenix harnesses the power of connection to ignite a movement that’s changing how society looks at addiction and recovery. The Phoenix provides free programs both in-person and virtually, across the globe, including yoga, climbing, music, CrossFit, art, and more. The only cost to participate is 48 hours of sobriety. Scott says, “It might be the activity that brings someone in, but it’s the community of sober friendships that keeps them coming back.” This spark of hope for recovery, that Scott himself experienced, has continued to grow and help thousands rise from addiction. Not limited to those in recovery, The Phoenix movement is for anyone who has been impacted by substance use disorder — because the solution to the addiction crisis lives in all of us. This is our movement! To learn more, or to connect with our community, volunteer, or donate, please go to thephoenix.org.

 The Phoenix is a national sober active community that provides free, active, and meaningful programming—ranging from yoga and rock climbing to CrossFit and art—to individuals impacted by substance use. The Phoenix fosters a welcoming and safe community where participants, with a minimum of 48 hours of sobriety, can heal and grow together. The organization has achieved remarkable results: 83% of members report sustained sobriety after three months of participation. In 2022, The Phoenix realized a gap in recovery support in the music industry despite the fact that addiction disproportionately affects the music industry – 56% of music industry professionals cite problematic substance use (Source: Tulane University School of Social Work 2022), so they partnered with Stand Together Music and Stand Together Foundation to launch 1 Million Strong—an impact initiative to support one million people impacted by substance use, starting in the music industry. Over the past year, 1MS has hosted sober-supportive retreats at over a dozen renowned music festivals, supporting hundreds of thousands of fans. Positioned strategically amid the festival's heart, these retreats offer a VIP-like experience with mocktails, The Phoenix programming (like guided meditations and yoga) and a supportive atmosphere to meet other likeminded people. The impact of these events are undeniable: Since the launch of 1MS in September 2022, The Phoenix has had nearly 140,000 new members join the community. We’re not slowing down the tempo – 1 Million Strong will be hosting sober-supportive retreats at In Between Days, Park City Song Sumit, Bourbon & Beyond, Telluride Blues & Brews, Louder than Life, and Camp Flog Gnaw between now and the end of the year and planning for a festival-filled 2024! The Phoenix and 1 Million Strong are transforming how America approaches addiction, so those in recovery can go from surviving to truly living. Scott’s personal story and work with The Phoenix and 1 Million Strong could offer your listeners a fresh perspective on the power of connection in overcoming addiction.

thephoenix.org

1millionstrong.com

The Phoenix - A Sober Community (app)

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Nily Ilan lost her son 4 years ago to fentanyl poisoning.  He had become addicted to painkillers after a devastating car accident and even though he had tried rehab, he relapsed and bought what he thought was heroin.  However, it was laced with fentanyl and he died.  He was a young man in his 20s.  He was loved by all who knew him.  He had a young son at the time.  Now dealing with unspeakable grief, Nily is helping to education youth and parents on the dangers of drugs.  She is working with Drug Free World Florida and helping to distribute the Truth About Drugs booklets.  She wants everyone to know that these booklets are free from https://www.drugfreeworld.org/.  There are also teacher kits so that this vital information can be taught in schools.  She hopes to save other mothers from experiencing the excruciating pain of losing a child.

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I’m a native Floridian, born and raised in Sarasota. I had a very normal Floridian childhood, swimming and fishing in local ponds and lakes. Nothing extraordinary. I graduated Sarasota High School in 1982 and joined the United States Army. I served for six years so I could use the GI Bill to help pay for my college education. 

After the Army I endured the long process of obtaining a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and immediately went to work for a German company as a Drives and Controls Engineer. I worked for them for 23 years designing microprocessors and control systems for large scale automated custom manufacturing machinery. I also designed facility wide power distribution for entire manufacturing plants. For 23 years I traveled extensively worldwide supporting the installation and custom programming of the machinery we designed and built.

At the age of 47 years, this organization was purchased by a competitor and the engineering and manufacturing was relocated to Mexico. I chose not to move to Mexico, so I retired. It was at this point I developed a severe addiction to alcohol. I spent years battling this addiction. I would do well for a year or two, and then spiral out of control and wind up hospitalized. I continued this roller coaster cycle for ten years until finally one day, in the hospital, a friend told me about the Narconon program. At first, I wasn’t interested because I related the name Narconon to narcotics (drugs) and I was never a drug user. After I spoke to the Executive Director at Narconon I was convinced this program could help. It was probably the best decision I ever made because now not only am I sober, but I also have a meaningful purpose in life. I became the Director of Intake and Registration at Narconon Suncoast where I have the opportunity every day to change someone’s life just as mine was changed.

https://www.narconon-suncoast.org/

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Well obviously my name is Josh. Basically in a nutshell as it were I was a careered musician and was very successful in many capacities. I once owned a recording studio with Gordon Raphael (producer of the strokes & Regina Spektor) after getting my own record deal I worked on my debut album with Anthony Braun Perry and Scott Montoya (both from the band the growlers) and was well on my way. I have met and worked with many successful musicians and others in the entertainment business for years, and had built up quite a catalogue of gear and equipment along with a nice shiny resume. I had a house a supportive girlfriend who actually quit her job to work with me on my career full time because she believed in mine that much. I had custody of my autistic and diabetic son from a previous relationship.

Life was good then I gave it all away for one small yet very big thing. That thing was so elusive and so deceitful. It was so romantic looking and yet so insidious. That thing was heroin. I’ve dabbled in drugs and alcohol for a long time and they sunk their teeth into my life long ago but I was always able to go dry for a while so I thought I had it under control. Through everything I’ve lost and all the problems I’ve gained it all changed October 1st, 2021. You see after a few jail stints and a prison sentence I basically just resigned myself to drugs and thought ok music is over so I’ll become a full-fledged criminal.

But this last year I got in trouble once again with the law and to my surprise instead of sending me back to prison they gave me probation and when I screwed that up I thought surely they’ll send me back now but they didn’t; they gave me a corrections based treatment program. When I left there I relapsed once again while living with my brother and ended up getting into a huge fight with him about who was the better addict. My brother had his own demons but in his mind he was ok because he was still living in his own place with a job and a car. So he kicked me out after the fight and that was the last I ever spoke to him. I feel very fortunate indeed but it came with a price and with consequences.

Sadly my brother passed away from drugs a few months ago as did my ex girlfriend so those things and a few other things blessed me with the gift of desperation. But I’ll tell you, through my brother’s death I was able to be reborn. On September 31st, 2021 I was parked in a car I had borrowed from a friend while he was doing some time in jail and I tried to shoot myself in the head not long after I found out about my brother. However, before I could get the gun against my temple it randomly went off right before I got it in the place I wanted. So I had just done a bunch of heroin and from the adrenaline shock and the last bit of drugs; I fell asleep and woke up to cops knocking on the window of the car I was in. They found me with a gun, drugs and all sorts of other illegal things. They should have taken me back to jail then prison, as I’m already on probation. They were about to, when all of a sudden the police officer asked me what I was doing with the gun and I told him.

That was October 1st, 2021.  I relapsed in May 2022 and have been sober ever since. I go to meetings; reach out to people; and help wherever I can; and I work a 12 step program.  I honestly wish I would have started a long time ago because it’s the best thing I’ve ever done aside from having my son. So yeah! My recovery comes first as does my program. I surrendered myself to a higher power and realized my life was unmanageable and that I desperately needed and wanted a change. Now I’m learning to love myself again and I started some projects but I’m focusing on helping other bands again but I also help other addicts. My story could be so much longer but this is as I said in a nutshell!

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Ed Bisch's son died of an overdose of Oxycontin.  Ed didn't sit by.  He started researching Oxycontin and its manufacturer - Purdue Pharma; AND the family behind it - The Sacklers.  He has been fighting this battle for years and doesn't see giving up until both the company and the family are made to take responsibility for the countless deaths due to oxycontin addiction and overdose. In December 2020, Ed appeared in the MSNBC special - The Forgotten Epidemic. 

 Recently, Ed has been working to raise awareness and calling for the DOJ to prosecute the Sacklers after his 18-year-old son, Eddie, died of an OxyContin-related overdose in 2001. He founded Relatives Against Purdue Pharma.

Judge Robert D. Drain 

Drain retired 7 years early and took a job at a law firm that was Purdue’s General Counsel in a multi Billion dollar case he was hand picked for? How is this NOT illegal? 

Petition started called the Drain Curtain law to make it illegal to go to work for a vested interest in prior legal actions the judge presided over. Sign the petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/drain-curtain-law 

Message the Attorney General; the Deputy Attorney General; and the Associate Attorney General.  Email the DOJ here:

https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice  

If you want to read Mike Quinn’s filing with the Supreme Court, go here:

https://bit.ly/supremecourtfilingmikequinn 

Gracie Parker - 9 years old - her book - Shattered: Stories of Lives Broken by Substance Abuse and How We Put the Pieces Back Together

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Stories-Broken-Substance-Together/dp/B0CJKY8B5Y

Her website:

https://whyuskids.org/

Rick Mountcastle served as a federal prosecutor for more than 32 years, first at the Department of Justice and later at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. As a senior trial attorney in DOJ’s Criminal Tax Enforcement Section, he prosecuted criminal tax cases throughout the United States.  He was the lead prosecutor on several high-profile health care fraud cases, including the first Purdue Pharma prosecution (featured in the Hulu series “Dopesick").  Rick previously served four years as an active duty Army JAG officer and 24 years as a National Guard and Army Reserve JAG officer. Rick is dedicated to the issue of justice for victims of oxycontin and as such speaks out on the subject and assists activists like Ed Bisch in this mission.

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I am Joe Sealey, a current cast member on "The Real Housewives of Cheshire," a globally televised show seen in 36 countries. While I may appear to lead a glamorous life on screen, my journey has been marked by personal struggles, particularly my battle with addiction to cocaine and alcohol. My story is not just one of success but of resilience, transformation, and the importance of sharing the reality behind the glitz and glamour.

My book, "On Days Like These," is a testament to my recovery journey, and it has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a number 1 bestseller. Through my book, podcasts, and television interviews, I aim to shed light on the darker chapters of my life and how I emerged from the depths of addiction to the life I lead now.

It's crucial to me to emphasize that the image people see on television doesn't tell the full story. Life wasn't always about luxury and fame for me. I have faced my share of challenges and setbacks, but I've also discovered the strength within me to overcome them.

My experiences have given me a unique perspective on addiction and recovery, and I'm dedicated to using my platform to raise awareness about these issues. I believe that by sharing my story, I can provide hope and inspiration to others who may be struggling with addiction or facing their own hardships.  Through my continued efforts, I hope to inspire and support those who may be facing their own battles, showing that with determination and the right support, it's possible to overcome adversity and find a path to a better life.

For those interested in learning more about my journey and the message I aim to spread, I've provided three links below:

1. [Daily Star Article](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-les-joe-sealey-30125279): This article delves into my story, highlighting my journey and the challenges I've overcome.

2. [YouTube Interview 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IQf5vfU4IQ): In this interview, I discuss my addiction recovery journey and how it has shaped my life today.

3. [YouTube Interview 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bShF-r8IWB0): Another insightful interview where I share my experiences and insights into recovery and personal growth.

PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.

AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com

CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return [email protected]

Intro and Outro music by:

Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

#drugaddictionpodcast #alcoholaddiction #alternativetreatment #hopeforaddiction #helpforaddiction #newmaninterventions